When GTF’s Joelene was told that Oscarde (her dead favorite darkest red oak) was set to be terminated from commerce, she took on her first personal quest to save a part of her genetic experience. She used the last of her seed to grow our planting stock, and fended off deer for two years to bring this seed crop to market. Turns out, it’s yet to be discontinued, but Wild Garden is glad to have it. Combined downy mildew resistance, compact heads, and perfectly proportioned leaves make this a very efficient red oak by the head or for the salad mix. Good choice for cropping fall and winter; what Eliot Coleman calls the “back side of the year.”